Leipzig Host Celtic with Major Implications – LEIPZIG PREVIEW

RB Leipzig and Celtic FC are out to place their stamp on the Europa League and will have to do so at the other’s expense in East Germany in their Europa League clash. Both teams sit at three points with a potential loss leaving a team in desperation heading into the final three games of the group stage.

Leipzig Host Celtic with Major Implications – LEIPZIG PREVIEW

Leipzig rebounded well against Rosenborg in the last game, winning 3-1 with goals from Jean-Kevin Augustin, Ibrahima Konate and Matheus Cunha. Scoring goals hasn’t been a problem thus far in Europe as they have put multiple goals up in both games they’ve played. It is their defense that has been most suspect, surrendering in each fixture as well. There is optimism following this weekend’s goalless draw to Augsburg. It represented the second consecutive game with a clean sheet and could be a sign that things are coming together.

Celtic represents the second big test in this competition. Leipzig failed their first one, losing to Salzburg in Austria. Now, they welcome Celtic to East German with a chance to put some much-needed distance between themselves and the iconic Scottish club. Manager Brendan Rodgers knows just how difficult European competition can be and wants to guide Celtic through this patch against Bundesliga opposition.

“We definitely want three points,” said Leipzig defender Marcel Halstenberg. “Celtic has other qualities from Augsburg or Rosenborg. Celtic would rather play football from the back but that suits our game. They are not typically British and avoid playing long balls from the defense.”

Salzburg provided the game plan for defeating Celtic. They pressed hard but were caught when they took their eye off the ball. Leipzig will need to remain sharp and hope that their attacking core can deliver the necessary goals to alleviate pressure from the defense.